Ozempic

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by mimicking the action of a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which is released after eating. This stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses the release of glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that semaglutide achieves superior reductions in HbA1c compared to many other diabetes treatments. A notable secondary benefit is significant weight loss, which is particularly valuable for the large proportion of type 2 diabetes patients who are overweight. Ozempic has also shown cardiovascular benefits, with evidence of reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with established heart disease.

How to Take Ozempic

Ozempic is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week, on the same day each week. It can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and the injection site should be rotated with each dose. The injection can be given at any time of day, with or without meals.

If you need to change the day of your weekly injection, ensure there are at least two days (48 hours) between doses. If a dose is missed and there are more than five days until the next scheduled dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. Otherwise, skip it and resume the normal schedule.

Treatment begins with 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks. This initial dose is for tolerability and is not a therapeutic dose. After four weeks, the dose is increased to 0.5 mg weekly. If further blood sugar control is needed after at least four more weeks, the dose may be increased to 1 mg weekly, and subsequently to 2 mg weekly if clinically appropriate. Your prescriber will guide the titration based on your individual response.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most commonly reported side effects, particularly during dose increases:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite

These effects are usually most pronounced during the dose-escalation phase and tend to improve as the body adjusts. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty foods can help manage nausea. Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Report severe or persistent abdominal pain to your doctor immediately.

Ozempic is not recommended for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). If you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, stop the medication and seek medical attention, as this may indicate pancreatitis.

Semaglutide may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives due to delayed gastric emptying. Women using oral contraception should consider additional barrier methods for four weeks after starting Ozempic or after any dose increase. Patients with diabetic retinopathy should be monitored closely, as rapid improvement in blood sugar control can occasionally worsen existing eye disease.

Ozempic is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to semaglutide or any of its excipients. It should not be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and is not recommended in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease (such as gastroparesis) or end-stage renal disease. It is not a substitute for insulin in patients who require it.